Description
This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach is a quick and flavorful dish combining succulent shrimp, fresh baby spinach, and al dente pasta tossed in a zesty lemon garlic sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight meal, it balances bright citrus notes with the richness of Parmesan cheese and a gentle kick from red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
Flavorings and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the shrimp, season them with salt and black pepper, and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Wilt the Spinach: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if necessary. Add the fresh baby spinach leaves and sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until the spinach starts to wilt and retains its vibrant color and tender texture.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the spinach. Add the drained pasta, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Toss everything together gently. Gradually add the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve the desired consistency. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top and toss to coat evenly.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or lemon juice to your liking. Serve immediately while warm, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs such as parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- To keep the shrimp tender, avoid overcooking; they should turn pink and opaque but remain juicy.
- Reserved pasta water is starchy and helps bind the sauce, so add it gradually.
- You can substitute spinach with kale or arugula according to preference.
- For a dairy-free version, omit Parmesan and add nutritional yeast or a squeeze more lemon juice for brightness.
- The red pepper flakes are optional; omit for a milder flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
